2002 BMW 330XI Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 15%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 BMW 330XI, 15% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The smell of electircal fire and thick black smoke poored out the left side of my stearing colum. Flames started to shoot out and enguffed my Bmw to nothing!”
NHTSA complaint #11164893, filed 2019-01, 120,000 miles“Failure of the general module 5 which results in failing to opening the door via the unlock button on the center console and key remote. This will also result in the double locking mechanism to activate to which passengers are unable to exit the vehicle properly either electronically or mechanically (manual locks do not work) forced to leave either through the window, trunk through rear seat if the car has this feature or possibly only through driver side door. …”
NHTSA complaint #10403008, filed 2011-05, 82,000 miles“After reading many forum questions and answers my vehicle problem is the gm5 module. This module controls a wide selection of electrical function on this car. The function that is at issue is the central locking/unlocking function initiated by the key, key fob or locking control button on the console. By researching online it is apparent that the Bmw e46 model has had a long period that this module has been a problem and they have not done anything to remedy the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11350918, filed 2020-08Related service bulletins
- 10149558Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 BMW 330XI
8 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW 330XI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology